Nantucket's Premier Morning Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fivehour private charter targets Porgy and Black Seabass offshore.Captain Chris provides expert guidance with dedicated First Mate assistance.Sixguest capacity vessel operates seasonally May through June in Sound.
Captain Chris and the crew at Meat Wagon Fishing Charters know exactly where the fish are biting in Nantucket Sound. This 5-hour morning trip puts you right in the heart of some of Massachusetts' most productive fishing waters, targeting two of the area's most reliable species – Black Sea Bass and Scup. Running seasonally from May 4th through June 30th, this charter hits the sweet spot when these bottom dwellers are most active and hungry. You'll fish aboard a well-equipped vessel with a dedicated first mate who knows these waters like the back of his hand, making sure everyone from seasoned anglers to first-timers has a shot at filling the cooler.
Your morning starts early when the fish are most active and the waters around Nantucket are at their calmest. Captain Chris runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere relaxed and fun for all six guests aboard. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need for bottom fishing success. Your first mate stays busy all trip long – baiting hooks, netting fish, and making sure your gear stays in the strike zone. This isn't a cattle boat operation where you're just another number; with only six anglers maximum, everyone gets personalized attention and prime fishing real estate along the rail. The crew knows exactly which structure holds fish and adjusts throughout the morning based on what's biting best. Pack some snacks and drinks since meals aren't provided, but trust me, you'll be too busy reeling in fish to think much about food.
We're talking classic New England bottom fishing here – dropping rigs down to rocky structure and sandy bottoms where Sea Bass and Scup love to hang out. The crew sets you up with hi-lo rigs and bucktails tipped with fresh bait, usually squid strips or sea worms that these fish can't resist. Captain Chris positions the boat over proven spots using his electronics to mark fish and structure below. You'll learn to feel the difference between a nibble and a solid hookup, and how to work your bait just off the bottom where these species feed. The first mate teaches proper technique for setting the hook and fighting fish without losing them at boatside. Don't worry about bringing your own gear unless you want to – the boat's equipment is maintained and ready to fish. Circle hooks are standard to promote catch and release, though you'll definitely take home a nice mess of keeper-sized fish for dinner.
Black Sea Bass are the crown jewel of Nantucket bottom fishing, and late spring through early summer is prime time to target them. These chunky fighters average 1-3 pounds around here, with occasional specimens pushing 5 pounds or better. Sea Bass are structure-oriented fish that love rocky bottom, wrecks, and boulder fields where they ambush smaller baitfish and crabs. They're aggressive biters once you find them, and they put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. What makes them special is their excellent table fare – firm, white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill or frying pan. The Massachusetts season timing coincides perfectly with their spawning migration when they move into shallower waters and feed heavily.
Scup, also called Porgy by locals, might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and great eating quality. These silver-sided bottom feeders school up in massive numbers during late spring, creating fast-paced action that keeps kids and adults equally entertained. Scup average 8-12 inches but can reach 14 inches or more in Nantucket waters. They're notorious bait stealers, so you'll learn quickly to detect their subtle bites and set the hook fast. While some anglers consider them a "trash fish," smart fishermen know that fresh Scup rival any panfish for taste. They're perfect for fish cakes, whole fried fish, or filleted for fish and chips. When the Scup are biting hot, you can easily catch your limit and have a blast doing it.
This seasonal charter books up fast once word gets out about the morning bite. Captain Chris and his crew have built a solid reputation among local anglers and visiting fishermen who want a productive, family-friendly fishing experience without the crowds of larger head boats. The 5-hour timeframe gives you plenty of fishing time while still leaving most of your day free for other Nantucket activities. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to saltwater fishing, planning a guys' trip, or just want to get out on the water with a small group, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of expert local knowledge, quality equipment, and prime fishing grounds makes this a top-rated choice for spring fishing around Nantucket. Don't wait too long to book – the season runs just under three months, and the best fishing days fill up quickly with repeat customers who know what Captain Chris and Meat Wagon Fishing Charters bring to the table.
Captain Chris runs a solid 34' SeaVee center console that's built for serious fishing around Nantucket Sound. This boat handles offshore waters with confidence, giving you and up to five friends plenty of room to work the lines while chasing Black Seabass and Scup. The fishfinder helps locate productive bottom structure, while the GPS keeps you on the hottest spots. A proper live bait well keeps your bait fresh, and the icebox handles your catch and cold drinks throughout the morning. With radar for those foggy Cape Cod conditions and a first mate to help with everything from rigging to netting fish, you're set up for productive fishing. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action, whether you're dropping lines for Porgy or working jigs for Seabass. This is straightforward fishing with good gear and local knowledge.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the heavy hitters of our spring trips, running 2-4 pounds with occasional fish pushing 6-8 pounds. These dark, chunky fish love structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, and around pilings where they ambush crabs and small baitfish. They show up in fishable numbers from late May through June in 20-80 feet of water around Nantucket Sound. What makes them special is that solid fight they put up and their reputation as one of the best eating fish in these waters. The bigger males develop a distinctive hump during spawning season and turn almost blue-black. They'll hit squid strips, clams, or jigs worked near bottom. Pro tip: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and reel fast - they love to dive back into structure and break you off if you give them slack.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are perfect starter fish that'll keep everyone busy on our May-June trips. These silver beauties run 12-18 inches and show up in good numbers around Nantucket Sound when the water warms. They're bottom feeders that love rocky areas and structure, making them pretty predictable to find. What guests really appreciate is how willing scup are to bite - they're not picky eaters and will hit squid, clam, or worm baits readily. Plus, they make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The fight isn't wild, but their strong jaws mean you'll feel every headshake. My tip: use a light sinker and keep your bait moving slightly off bottom. Scup are curious fish, and that little movement often triggers strikes when they're being finicky.
cape cod